Method and arrangement for fitting a hearing system

ABSTRACT

The method for adjusting a hearing system ( 2 ) to the preferences of a user ( 3 ) of the hearing system comprises
     a) playing an audio sequence to said user ( 3 );
 
wherein the audio sequence comprises a first sound object representative of a first real-life sound source and a second sound object representative of a second real-life sound source;
   b) receiving an input (R) in response to step a);   c) adjusting at least one audio processing parameter (P) of said hearing system ( 2 ) in dependence of said input (R).   

     Preferably, the method further comprises
     d) providing the user ( 3 ) synchronously with step a) with a visualization of a scene to which said audio sequence belongs; and
       providing a user input (U) which is indicative of a sound source or of a sound object or of an instant in or a portion of the audio sequence; and   automatically selecting an audio processing parameter (P) of the hearing system ( 2 ) in dependence of the user input (U) and offering the selected audio processing parameter (P) for adjusting.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of hearing device and hearingsystems. More particularly, it relates to the fitting of hearing deviceand hearing system, wherein fitting means adjusting the signalprocessing properties of the hearing system to the preferences of theuser of the hearing system. The invention relates to methods andapparatuses according to the opening clauses of the claims. Under ahearing device, a device is understood, which is worn in or adjacent toan individual's ear with the object to improve the individual'sacoustical perception. Such improvement may also be barring acousticsignals from being perceived in the sense of hearing protection for theindividual. If the hearing device is tailored so as to improve theperception of a hearing impaired individual towards hearing perceptionof a “standard” individual, then we speak of a hearing-aid device. Withrespect to the application area, a hearing device may be applied behindthe ear, in the ear, completely in the ear canal or may be implanted.

A hearing system comprises at least one hearing device. In case that ahearing system comprises at least one additional device, all devices ofthe hearing system are operationally connectable within the hearingsystem. Typically, said additional devices such as another hearingdevice, a remote control or a remote microphone, are meant to be worn orcarried by said individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The fitting of hearing devices is typically carried out in an iterativeway: The hearing device user visits his hearing device professional suchas an audiologist or hearing device acoustician, who carries out hearingtests with synthetic test tones such as sine tones and noise signals.Depending on how the user reacts to the test tones, the hearing deviceprofessional will adjust certain audio processing parameters of thehearing system in a certain way. Then, the user uses his adjustedhearing device in every-day life, trying to find out, where hearingproblems still persist. Then, the user will visit his hearing deviceprofessional again and report his observations, and the hearing deviceprofessional will “fine-tune” the hearing device, i.e. make furtheradjustments to audio processing parameters of the hearing system. Thenewly adjusted hearing system will be tested in real life again,followed by another visit at the hearing device professional's officeand so on.

This process consumes a lot of time.

In EP 1 617 705 A2, it has been suggested to let the user himself fithis hearing device. In this case, the hearing device itself can generatetest tones. This way, all or many visits at the hearing deviceprofessional's office are unnecessary. Unfortunately, not every hearingdevice user is able and willing to carry out the fitting on his own. Ithas been suggested to use as test tones, for example, sounds known tothe user from everyday life, such as the sound of a triangle or thesound of a ship horn.

In US 2007/0172088 A1, it is disclosed to fit a hearing-aid device usingmeans for selecting simultaneous settings relating to two or moredifferent audio processing parameters, i.e. adjusting parameterscomposed of two or more parameters.

It is desirable to provide an alternative way of fitting a hearingsystem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the invention is to create an alternative wayof fitting a hearing system.

In particular, a method for adjusting a hearing system to thepreferences of a user of said hearing system, a correspondingarrangement for adjusting a hearing system to the preferences of a userof said hearing system and a corresponding computer program product suchas one suitable to adjust a hearing system to the preferences of a userof said hearing system, shall be provided. In addition, a correspondinguse and a corresponding computer-readable medium shall be provided.

Another object of the invention is to provide a way of fitting a hearingsystem, which leads to a good fitting result within a relatively shorttime.

Another object of the invention is to provide a way of fitting a hearingsystem, which leads to a good fitting result with only a relativelysmall amount of visits at a hearing device professional's office.

Another object of the invention is to provide a way of fitting a hearingsystem, which reduces the hearing device professional's resourcesrequired for fitting the hearing system in terms of time and/or in termsof expertise such as experience and knowledge.

Another object of the invention is to provide a way of fitting a hearingsystem, which makes the hearing system user feel more comfortable duringfitting sessions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a way of fitting a hearingsystem, which can be accomplished by a hearing system user withoutsupport from a hearing device professional or with little support from ahearing device professional.

Another object of the invention is to provide a more effective way offitting a hearing system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a more efficient way offitting a hearing system.

Further objects emerge from the description and embodiments below.

At least one of these objects is at least partially achieved byapparatuses and methods according to the patent claims.

The method for adjusting a hearing system to the preferences of a userof said hearing system comprises the steps of

-   a) playing an audio sequence to said user;

wherein said audio sequence comprises a first sound objectrepresentative of a first real-life sound source and a second soundobject representative of a second real-life sound source;

-   b) receiving an input in response to step a);-   c) adjusting at least one audio processing parameter of said hearing    system in dependence of said input.

Through this, an improved fitting result can be achieved and/or the timethat has to be spent during fitting can be reduced. Using such an audiosequence allows to consider and balance trade-offs which exist inhearing device fitting, and the use of sounds known to the user fromreal life tends to lead rather soon to rather good fitting results.

To give a very simple example, let us consider a first sound objectrepresenting soft speech, and a second sound object representing ratherloud speech. If these sound objects were used separately as test soundsfor fitting, the fitting result would tend to be such that both soundobjects are adjusted to a moderate loudness, employing a quite highdegree of compression. On the other hand, using an audio sequencecontaining both, soft speech and loud speech, e.g., in alternating way,the dynamics problem becomes immediately apparent, and the relatedtrade-off can be balanced well.

In one embodiment, said audio sequence represents a real-life situation.Or, said audio sequence is a realistic composition of acoustic events ofreal-life. This makes the fitting procedure more pleasant for the user,and the fitting result will tend to be better adapted to the user's reallife. Advantages that otherwise would be achieved by letting the fittingtake place during the user's normal life can be achieved this way, whilemaintaining the advantage that it is possible that a hearing deviceprofessional carries out the fitting and that the fitting can take placein one single place such as a hearing device professional's office.

Said audio sequence can, e.g., comprise synthesized and/or digitallysampled sound components. Typically, it will be a composition of severalseparately available sound bits such as digital sound samples.

Said audio sequence can be adjustable, e.g., by hearing deviceprofessional. This way, it can be adapted to specific needs of thehearing device user.

Typically, said audio sequence will comprise three or more soundobjects.

A sound object may comprise more than one sound bits. When a sound bitof a sound object is played during a sound sequence, the correspondingsound object sounds during said audio sequence.

Said input mentioned in step b) is typically provided to a fittingarrangement. It is typically provided by a hearing device professional,usually in reaction to a reaction of said user, such as commentstypically provided orally.

Steps b) and c), i.e. said receiving and said adjusting, are typicallycarried out by a fitting arrangement.

A fitting arrangement typically comprises a computer system and fittingsoftware running on said computer system.

In one embodiment, said first and said second sound objects soundsimultaneously during at least a portion of said audio sequence. Itis—in particular in view of possible trade-offs in hearing devicefitting—advantageous to have overlapping sound objects within a soundsequence used for fitting. It allows to hear sound objects in relationto each other.

In one embodiment, during at least a portion of said audio sequence,said first sound object sounds without said second sound object soundingsimultaneously. Accordingly, said first sound object can be heardseparately during said audio sequence, at least separately from thesecond sound object. A sequential, e.g., alternating, occurrence ofsound objects allows to hear relations between the sound objects verywell, which is advantageous in view of trade-offs in fitting.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of

-   d) providing said user synchronously with step a) with a    visualization of a scene to which said audio sequence belongs.

Such a visualization can provide a strongly enhanced realism to theaudio sequence. Furthermore, it can be used to simplify thecommunication between the user and a hearing device professional.

Said visualization typically matches the acoustic events belonging tothe scene. Accordingly, from the visualization, it can be made clear tothe user, what is happening acoustically.

Said visualization can, e.g., be or comprise a video sequence. It cancomprise recorded (filmed) video clips and/or computer-generatedanimations or simulations.

In a computer-generated animation or simulation, it is relatively easyto adapt a visualization to different audio sequences. This can beadvantageous, in particular if the audio sequence comprises humanspeech. Since many hearing impaired people employ some kind of lipreading, they might get seriously confused if visually perceived lipmovements do not correspond to acoustically perceived speech. Therefore,if a similar video sequence and a similar audio sequence shall beproduced for different languages and if the visualization is a recordedvideo sequence, it would be advisable to record a different videosequence for each language. If, on the other hand, the visualization isa computer-generated animation or simulation, it would be possible touse the one and the same visualization and adapt (only) the lipmovements, so as to simulate the effect of different languages. Even ina recorded video sequence, it is today possible to digitally edit thevideo data so as to change lip movements accordingly, e.g., based onseparately recorded lip movements for the different lip movements.Typically, with separately recorded lip movements, the respective speechwill be recorded simultaneously.

It is possible to provide that, in the fitting software, a language canbe selected, so as to provide audio sequences comprising speech of theselected language and, if available, visualizations adapted—with respectto visual lip movements—to the selected language.

A visual display, e.g., a TV set or a computer screen, can be used fordisplaying said visualization.

In one embodiment, movements of sound sources and/or visible changes atsound sources are visible in the visualization, e.g., mouth movementsand/or optical effects highlighting currently-active sound sources.

Said visualization can be adjustable, e.g., by a hearing deviceprofessional, e.g., with respect to its length and/or to the order ofevents.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of

-   h) providing a user input;

wherein said user input comprises an indication of a sound sourceoccurring in said visualization.

Typically, step h) is carried out by said user.

Usually, said user input is received during step a).

A fitting arrangement and/or a hearing device professional can beprovided with said user input.

Step h) can be carried out, e.g., by pointing at a display used fordisplaying the visualization, either manually or using computer mouse oranother pointing device, typically selecting a point or an area in thevisualization display at a certain instant in time; or it can be carriedout by orally communicating to a hearing device professional.

Typically, such a user input will be provided when the user has problemsin conjunction with the indicated sound source, e.g., because he doesnot at all or not properly hear sound belonging to the indicated soundsource.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of

-   i) providing a user input;

wherein said user input is indicative of at least one of

-   -   one of the sound objects comprised in said audio sequence; and    -   an instant in or a portion of said audio sequence.

Note that this embodiment does not require a visualization of a scene towhich the audio sequence belongs.

Typically, step i) is carried out by said user.

Usually, said user input is received during step a).

Typically, such a user input will be provided when the user has problemsin conjunction with the indicated sound object or at the indicated timeduring the audio sequence.

An indication of one of the sound objects may be provided, e.g., byselecting an instant during said sequence at which only a single soundobject sounds during said audio sequence, and/or by (typically orally)informing a hearing device professional and/or—if a visualization isavailable—by pointing out a sound source, e.g., using a computer mousefor clicking at a sound source which—according to the visualization—iscurrently sounding but is not heard because of other sound sourcessounding simultaneously.

An indication of an instant in or a portion of said audio sequence canbe provided, e.g., by pushing a button or by (typically orally)informing a hearing device professional, or—if a visualization isavailable—by touching a display displaying the visualization.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of

-   g) receiving said user input in a fitting arrangement;

wherein said fitting arrangement carries out the step of

-   e) automatically selecting at least one audio processing parameter    of said hearing system in dependence of said user input.

This embodiment provides most valuable help to the individual carryingout the fitting (typically the hearing device professional).

Said at least one selected audio parameter can be, e.g., an overalloutput level, an output level in a certain frequency range, acompression ratio, a filter cutoff frequency, a beam former angle or acomposed parameter changing several other parameters simultaneously.

For example, a look-up table may be provided which provides for everyinstant of said audio sequence or for every sound source/sound object orfor combination of both, one or more appropriate parameters.

It is possible to provide that each sound object (or at least a portionof the sound objects) is representative of a certain sound type each,wherein a sound belonging to a certain sound type is characterized by atleast one characteristic property of the sound or rather by acharacteristic combination of certain properties of the sound. Examplesfor sound types are soft speech, speech in noise, loud music,high-frequency noise. Examples for said properties of the sound are itsspectral content, its average level, its dynamic range. For each soundtype, a set of (one or more) parameters is known (stored or obtainable),which are particularly well suited for influencing sounds of therespective sound type while having less influence on (most) sounds ofother sound types. If the sound sequence is composed in such a way, saidautomatic selection is readily accomplished. Naturally-sounding audiosequences can be realized, which are acoustically quite complex, butnevertheless, given an indication by the user that he has trouble with acertain sound object/sound source or during a certain portion of thesequence, it will be possible to offer a limited number of parametersfor adjustment, which are well suited for solving the indicated hearingproblem while preserving settings that work well with other soundobjects/sound sources or in other situations.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of

-   f) offering said selected at least one audio processing parameter    for adjustment.

This can be accomplished, e.g., by displaying one or more parameterchanging means such as sliders or buttons on a display, and/or byhighlighting and/or labelling suitable controls, and/or by assigning asuitable function to one or more available controls.

The arrangement for adjusting a hearing system to the preferences of auser of said hearing system comprises

-   -   a control unit;    -   a first interface unit operationally connectable to said control        unit and to said hearing system;    -   a storage unit comprising data representative of an audio        sequence comprising a first sound object representative of a        first real-life sound source and a second sound object        representative of a second real-life sound source;    -   an input unit operationally connectable to said control unit,        for receiving input descriptive of an adjustment of at least one        audio processing parameter of said hearing system;

wherein said control unit is configured to play said audio sequence tosaid user and to carry out said adjustment.

Said arrangement can also be referred to as fitting arrangement.

Said control unit typically comprises at least one processor plussoftware running on said at least one processor.

Said data can be data describing an audio stream, e.g., digital soundsampling data. Or said data can comprise bits of audio stream and datadescriptive of how these bits of audio stream can be composed torepresent said audio sequence. Furthermore, it is possible to use sounddescription data such as control signals for a sound synthesizer insteadof or in addition to bits of audio stream.

In one embodiment, said audio sequence is composed such that said firstand said second sound objects sound simultaneously during at least aportion of said audio sequence.

In one embodiment, said audio sequence is composed such that—during atleast a portion of said audio sequence—said first sound object soundswithout said second sound object sounding simultaneously.

In one embodiment, said arrangement comprises—operationally connectableto said control unit—a display unit and a storage unit comprising datadescriptive of a visualization of a scene to which said audio sequencebelongs, wherein said control unit is configured to display—using saiddisplay unit—said visualization synchronously with said playing of saidaudio sequence.

Said visualization unit can comprise, e.g., an optical display, a TVscreen, a computer monitor.

In one embodiment, the arrangement comprises a user interface allowingan individual to select a sound source occurring in said visualization.

Said user interface can comprise, e.g., a touch screen and/or a computermouse.

Typically, said individual is said user. Said individual can also be ahearing device professional.

Said user interface can be identical with or (fully or partially)different from said input unit.

In one embodiment, said arrangement comprises a user interface allowingan individual to select at least one of

-   -   one of the sound objects comprised in said audio sequence; and    -   an instant in or a portion of said audio sequence.

Said individual can be the hearing system user or the hearing systemfitter (hearing device professional).

Said user interface can be same user interface or a (fully or partially)different user interface as the one of the before-mentioned embodiment.

Said user interface can be identical with or (fully or partially)different from said input unit.

In one embodiment, said control unit is adapted to automaticallyselecting at least one audio processing parameter of said hearing systemin dependence of said selection (of said sound source, said sound objectand/or said instant or portion).

In one embodiment, said control unit is adapted to offering saidselected at least one audio processing parameter for adjustment.

The computer program product comprises program code for causing acomputer system to perform the steps of

-   A) playing an audio sequence to a user of a hearing system;

wherein said audio sequence comprises a first sound objectrepresentative of a first real-life sound source and a second soundobject representative of a second real-life sound source;

-   B) receiving an input in response to step a);-   C) adjusting at least one audio processing parameter of said hearing    system in dependence of said input.

Typically, said program code is or comprises a fitting software.

Said input can be provided by the hearing system user or is—moretypically—provided by a hearing device professional, for carrying outsaid the adjustment.

In one embodiment, said program code is adapted to causing said computersystem to perform the step of

-   D) providing—synchronously with step a)—a visualization of a scene    to which said audio sequence belongs.

In one embodiment, said program code is adapted to causing said computersystem to perform the step of

-   H) receiving a user input;

wherein said user input comprises an indication of a sound sourceoccurring in said visualization.

In one embodiment, said program code is adapted to causing said computersystem to perform the step of

-   J) receiving a user input;

wherein said user input is indicative of at least one of

-   -   one of the sound objects comprised in said audio sequence; and    -   an instant in or a portion of said audio sequence.

In one embodiment, said program code is adapted to causing said computersystem to perform the step of

-   E) automatically selecting at least one audio processing parameter    of said hearing system in dependence of said user input.

In one embodiment, said program code is adapted to causing said computersystem to perform the step of

-   F) indicating a possibility for adjusting said selected at least one    audio processing parameter.

The computer-readable medium according to the invention comprisesprogram code as described above.

The use according to the invention is a use of an audio sequencecomprising a first sound object representative of a first real-lifesound source and a second sound object representative of a secondreal-life sound source as signals to be perceived by a hearing systemuser in adjusting said hearing system to the preferences of said user.

The advantages of the methods correspond to the advantages ofcorresponding apparatuses, computer programs and uses, and vice versa.

Further embodiments and advantages emerge from the dependent claims andthe figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below, the invention is described in more detail by means of examplesand the included drawings. The figures show:

FIG. 1 a schematic illustration of an audio sequence;

FIG. 2 a schematic illustration of a visualization;

FIG. 3 a block diagram of a fitting method;

FIG. 4 a schematic illustration of a visualization with an offering ofparameters to be adjusted;

FIG. 5 a schematic illustration of a visualization with an offering of aparameter to be adjusted;

FIG. 6 a schematic illustration of a fitting arrangement and acorresponding fitting method.

The reference symbols used in the figures and their meaning aresummarized in the list of reference symbols. Generally, alike oralike-functioning parts are given the same or similar reference symbols.The described embodiments are meant as examples and shall not confinethe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an audio sequence 5 that can beused in the invention. The audio sequence 5 comprises five sound objects51,52,53,54,55, each comprising one or more sound bits 59. Each soundobject is representative of a real-life sound source, which is indicatedin the left portion of FIG. 1. The audio sequence 5 represents areal-life situation (more precisely: a real-life acoustic situation orflow of events). In the illustrated example, the audio sequence sketchesevents taking place in or near a kitchen in a home.

The audio sequence 5 is preferably composed of various sound bits 59,which are mixed together in a special way, such that there are—for oneor more sound objects—portions during which only that respective soundobject is sounding and/or only that respective sound object is soundingtogether with one or more sound objects such as a background noise. And,furthermore, it is composed in such a way that there are portions of theaudio sequence when two or more sound objects sound simultaneously. Thisallows to provide an audio sequence during which several trade-offsbetween adjustable hearing system parameters can be checked and testedin a controlled way.

For example, each sound object can provide for one track of a multitrackrecording. And each sound bit 59 of an object 51,52,53,54,55 can be adigital sample of a real-life acoustic event.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a visualization 6 belonging to theaudio sequence 5 of FIG. 1. The visualization 6 is preferably notstatic, but provides moving or animated pictures. For example,visualization 6 can be a video sequence.

Typically, all or most of the sound sources sounding during the audiosequence 5 are visible in the visualization, and—as shown in FIG. 2—itis possible to highlight the sound sources Q1,Q2,Q3,Q4 in thevisualization 6. In particular, it is possible to highlight soundsources Q1,Q2,Q3,Q4 visible in the visualization 6 at the time theysound and should be perceivable in the audio sequence 5. For example,the lips of a speaking person Q1,Q2 can be animated, clattering dishesQ4 can be shown to be moving while being washed, or a mobile phone Q3may be vibrating or have a lighted display when it is ringing.

In a fitting session during which a hearing system of a hearing systemuser is adjusted to the preferences of said user, the audio sequence 5of FIG. 1 and the visualization of FIG. 2 can be used in the waydepicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows block diagram illustrating a fitting method. In step 100,the audio sequence 5 is played to the hearing system user, eitherdirectly via said hearing system, or via loudspeakers, while the user isusing his hearing system, perceiving the sound generated by theloudspeakers via his hearing system.

At the same time and synchronously with the audio sequence 5, thevisualization 6 is played to the user, typically using a display such asa computer screen. Preferably, audio sequence 5 and visualization 6 areplayed in a looped fashion, i.e. when audio sequence 5 and visualization6 are finished, it will start again from the beginning.

In step 110, which preferably takes place during step 100, the user willindicate that there are preception problems—with one of the soundobjects or sound sources or at a certain instant or portion during theaudio sequence. For example, the user can tell his hearing deviceprofessional that the dishes (Q4) are too loud, or that he cannotunderstand the woman (Q1) while the man (Q2) is talking. The hearingdevice professional can then enter corresponding information (userinput) in a fitting arrangement used in the fitting, e.g., using acomputer keyboard or mouse. It is also possible that the user himselfprovides such a user input to the fitting arrangement, e.g., if a touchscreen is used for displaying the visualization 6, the user could, uponoccurrence of a perception problem, touch the screen in the place wherethe sound source responsible for the perception problem is visible.

Thereupon, in step 120, one or more adjustable audio processingparameters of the hearing system are selected in dependence of the userinput, i.e. in dependence of the selected point in time during the audiosequence and/or in dependence of the selected sound source/sound object.That selection is automatically carried out by the fitting arrangement.E.g., a look-up table could be provided in the fitting arrangement forthis purpose. The possibility of using sound objects corresponding tosound types associated with certain audio processing parameters ispossible and has been mentioned before in this application.

Optionally, in step 120, a detail of the audio sequence 5 and thevisualization 6 is played, which is selected so as to comprise theproblematic portion. Preferably, that detail is played in a loop. Thisallows to quickly check whether or not parameter adjustments lead to animproved or perhaps event to a worsened perception.

In step 130, the one or more selected audio processing parameters areautomatically offered—by the fitting arrangement—for adjustment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a visualization 6 with an offeringof parameters to be adjusted. In step 120, the user has—at a certaininstant, e.g., while the woman (Q1) and the man (Q2) talksimultaneously—selected the speaking woman (Q1). Therefore, the woman(source Q1) is highlighted in a special way, in FIG. 4 indicated by thethick solid circle. Thereupon, a parameter display 7 is displayedcomprising one or more means 71 for adjusting audio processingparameters, i.e. selected audio processing parameters are offered foradjustment.

In step 140, the fitting arrangement receives an input indicative of arequested change in parameter. This can be accomplished by, e.g.,pressing one or more of the displayed parameter changing means 71, or byclicking them with a computer mouse (cf. FIG. 4).

In step 150, the fitting arrangement carries out the requested parameteradjustment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a visualization with an offeringof a parameter to be adjusted. FIG. 5 illustrates, what thevisualization could look like, if the dishes (Q4) would have beenselected in step 110 (instead of the talking woman Q1 in FIG. 4). As canbe seen, the choice of offered adjustable parameters is different fromthe situation in FIG. 4.

In step 160, the parameter adjustments can be verified during the detailloop of step 120. If the adjustment of step 150 lead to a satisfyingresult (improved perception), the full audio sequence 5 can be playedagain, possibly again in a looped fashion (step 170). If the perceptionproblem turns out to be solved, the user can be asked to listen (andlook) again at all events in the audiovisual sequence 5,6, so thatpossibly-existing further perception problems can be detected and solved(step 180). If the adjustment of step 150 did not lead to a satisfyingresult (still unsatisfactory perception), further adjustments can bemade (steps 145, 150), e.g., while still in the detail loop. If anunsatisfactory result turns out during step 170, one could continue withstep 110, selecting the crucial instant or sound source again.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a fitting arrangement 1 and acorresponding fitting method. It will partially be referred to the blockdiagram of FIG. 3 and to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Fitting arrangement 1 can be or comprise a computer system and a fittingsoftware.

The fitting arrangement 1 of FIG. 6 comprises a control unit 11, threestorage units 12,14,19, an interface unit 13, a display unit 15 and auser interface 16 (possibly realized in one unit such as in a touchscreen display), and an input unit 17 and a parameter adjusting means 18(possibly realized in one unit such as in a touch screen display). Thesecomponents are all operationally connected, typically via control unit11.

It is, for example, also possible to realize units 15,16,17 and 18altogether in one unit.

Interface unit 13 interfaces between the arrangement 1 and hearingsystem 2, which comprises two hearing devices 21,22 worn by user 3. Theuser 3 is usually assisted by hearing device professional 4 (fitter)during the fitting session.

In order to be able to provide the user 3 with audio sequence 5 (step100), storage unit 12 comprises data A representative of audio sequence12, which are fed, controlled by control unit 11, to interface unit 13and from there to hearing system 2.

In order to be able to provide the user 3 with visualization 6 (step100), storage unit 14 comprises data V representative of visualization6, which are fed, controlled by control unit 11, to display unit 15.

When the user 3 or the fitter 4 enters an indication of a perceptionproblem in user interface 16, corresponding data U (user input) aregenerated and fed to control unit 11 (step 110). In dependence of userinput U, data P indicative of one or more audio processing parameters ofhearing system 2 to be adjusted will be obtained from storage unit 19 orwill be obtained by means of control unit 11 using storage unit 19 (step120).

The data provided by storage unit 19 can be data relating sound objectsand/or sound elements and/or instants of audio sequence 5 to at leastone adjustable audio processing parameter of hearing system 2.

Controlled by control unit 11, the selected parameters indicated by dataP will be offered for adjustment by parameter adjusting means 18, e.g.,by displaying them on a display (step 130), and the fitter 4 (or theuser 3) can enter an input R, i.e. a request for parameter adjustment,in input unit 17 (140).

Data R are fed to control unit 11, and corresponding data p descriptiveof the requested parameter adjustment will be fed to the hearing system2 via interface unit 13. Accordingly, the hearing system 2 is adjustedas requested (step 150).

The decision of whether or not to play the audio sequence and which partof it to play and whether or not to play in a loop will be controlled bycontrol unit 11, possibly in dependence of input provided via userinterface 16 and/or via input unit 17.

It is possible that the user 3 carries out the method according to theinvention without the help of a hearing device professional.

It is possible to dispense with the visualization 6. In particular infitting binaural hearing devices, the invention can be very helpful evenwithout visualization 6.

It is possible to provide that in visualization 6, all or most of thesound source occuring in the audio sequence 5 are visible, andpreferably also that—at least partially—it is visible that and when asound source generates sound so that the user 3 should be able toperceive that sound. Accordingly, it is—at least in many cases—possiblefor the hearing system user 3 to judge from the visualization 6 whetheror not he properly perceives all (or most of) the sounds that occurduring audio sequence 5. Furthermore, it is—at least in manycases—possible for the user 3 to judge whether or not he perceives thespatial arrangement and appearance of the sound sources in accordancewith their real arrangement, e.g., as visible in the visualization 6.

It is possible to use any kind of everyday or real-life situation forthe invention which provides suitable sound objects, e.g., situations inthe street, with car traffic, or situations in a train station orothers.

It is possible to use the visualization 6 for enabling a (simple)selection of a sound source (and a corresponding sound object), inparticular if perception problems occur in conjunction with the selectedsound source or sound object.

An audio sequence comprising a complex composition of at least two or atleast three sound objects is used as test signals to be perceived ahearing system user 3 during fitting. The audio sequence can be composedsuch that trade-offs between adjustable audio processing parameters arevery likely to become apparent during the audio sequence 5. The soundobjects are preferably real-life sound objects. The audio sequencepreferably reflects a real-life situation.

Aspects of the embodiments have—in part—been described in terms offunctional units. As is readily understood, these functional units maybe realized in virtually any number of hardware and/or softwarecomponents adapted to performing the specified functions. For example,the input unit 17 can be (fully or in part) identical with userinterface 16, or the storage units 12,14,19 can be realized in one unitsuch as one computer hard disk.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1 fitting arrangement, computer system

11 control unit

12 storage unit

13 interface unit, interface

14 storage unit

15 display unit, display, TV screen, computer monitor

16 user interface, touch screen display, button, computer mouse

17 input unit, touch screen display, computer keyboard, computer mouse

18 parameter adjusting means, parameter display, slider

19 storage unit

2 hearing system

21 hearing device

22 hearing device

3 user, hearing system user

4 hearing device professional, fitter

5 audio sequence

51, . . . , 55 sound object

59 sound bit

6 visualization, video

7,7′ parameter offer, parameter display

71,71′ parameter adjusting means

100 . . . 180 steps

A data, audio data

Q1, . . . , Q4 sound sources

p data, data descriptive of parameter adjustment

P data, data indicative of audio processing parameter(s), selected audioprocessing parameter

R data, input, request for parameter adjustment

U user input

V data, visualization data, video data

The invention claimed is:
 1. Method for adjusting a hearing systemaccording to preferences of a hearing aid wearer of said hearing system,said hearing system comprising at least one hearing aid device forimproving the hearing perception of said hearing aid wearer and forbeing worn in or adjacent to an ear of said hearing aid wearer, themethod comprising: playing an audio sequence to said hearing aid wearer,wherein said audio sequence comprises a first sound objectrepresentative of a first real-life sound source and a second soundobject representative of a second real-life sound source; providing saidhearing aid wearer, synchronously with said playing the audio sequence,with a visualization of a scene to which said audio sequence belongs;receiving an input from said hearing aid wearer in response to said stepof playing the audio sequence to said hearing aid wearer, wherein saidinput from said hearing aid wearer comprises a selection of a soundsource occurring in said visualization; automatically selecting one ormore audio processing parameters of said hearing system in dependence ofsaid input from said hearing aid wearer; offering at least one audioprocessing parameter, of the one or more audio processing parametersselected, for adjustment; and adjusting said at least one audioprocessing parameter of said at least one hearing aid device independence of a further input.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein said first and said second sound objects sound simultaneouslyduring at least a portion of said audio sequence.
 3. The methodaccording to one of claim 1 or 2, wherein—during at least a portion ofsaid audio sequence—said first sound object sounds without said secondsound object sounding simultaneously.
 4. The method according to claim1, wherein said input from said hearing aid wearer is indicative of atleast one of: one of the sound objects comprised in said audio sequence;and a portion of said audio sequence.
 5. The method according to one ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving said input from said hearing aidwearer in a fitting arrangement, wherein said fitting arrangementcarries out the step of automatically selecting said one or more audioprocessing parameters of said hearing system in dependence of said inputfrom said hearing aid wearer.
 6. Arrangement for adjusting a hearingsystem according to preferences of a hearing-impaired user of saidhearing system, said hearing system comprising at least one hearing aiddevice for improving the hearing perception of said user and for beingworn in or adjacent to an ear of said user, the arrangement comprising:a control unit; a first interface unit operationally connectable to saidcontrol unit and to said hearing system; a first storage unit comprisingdata representative of an audio sequence comprising a first sound objectrepresentative of a first real-life sound source and a second soundobject representative of a second real-life sound source; an input unitoperationally connectable to said control unit, for receiving inputdescriptive of an adjustment of at least one audio processing parameterof said hearing system; a display unit; a second storage unit comprisingdata descriptive of a visualization of a scene to which said audiosequence belongs; and a user interface for allowing an individual toselect at least one of a sound source occurring in said visualization,one of the sound objects comprised in said audio sequence, or an instantin or a portion of said audio sequence, wherein said control unit isconfigured to: play said audio sequence to said user, display—using saiddisplay unit—said visualization synchronously with playing of said audiosequence, automatically select one or more audio processing parametersof said hearing system in dependence of said selection of a sound sourceoccurring in said visualization, one of the sound objects comprised insaid audio sequence, or an instant in or a portion of said audiosequence, via the user interface, offer at least one audio processingparameter, of said one or more audio processing parameters selected, foradjustment, and carry out said adjustment by adjusting said at least oneaudio processing parameter of said at least one hearing aid device. 7.The arrangement according to claim 6, wherein said audio sequence iscomposed such that said first and said second sound objects soundsimultaneously during at least a portion of said audio sequence.
 8. Thearrangement according to claim 6, wherein said audio sequence iscomposed such that—during at least a portion of said audio sequence—saidfirst sound object sounds without said second sound object soundingsimultaneously.
 9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving stored thereon a computer program product comprising program codeto cause a computer system to perform: playing an audio sequence to ahearing-impaired user of a hearing system that includes at least onehearing aid device for improving the hearing perception of said user andfor being worn in or adjacent to an ear of said user, wherein said audiosequence comprises a first sound object representative of a firstreal-life sound source and a second sound object representative of asecond real-life sound source; providing—synchronously with said playingof said audio sequence to said user—a visualization of a scene to whichsaid audio sequence belongs; receiving an input in response to saidplaying of the audio sequence to said user, wherein said input comprisesa selection of a sound source occurring in said visualization;automatically selecting one or more audio processing parameters of saidhearing system in dependence of said input; offering at least one audioprocessing parameter, of the one or more audio processing parametersselected, for adjustment; and adjusting said at least one audioprocessing parameter of said at least one hearing aid device independence of said input.
 10. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium according to claim 9, wherein said program code isfurther adapted to cause said computer system to perform: receiving auser input, wherein said user input is indicative of at least one of:one of the sound objects comprised in said audio sequence; and aninstant in or a portion of said audio sequence.
 11. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein said input is disjoint to said at least one audioprocessing parameter such that said at least one audio processingparameter is among a plurality of audio processing parameters availablefor adjustment in dependence of said input.
 12. The arrangementaccording to claim 6, wherein said input is disjoint to said at leastone audio processing parameter such that said at least one audioprocessing parameter is among a plurality of audio processing parametersavailable for adjustment as described by said input.
 13. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9,wherein, in the program code stored thereon, said input is disjoint tosaid at least one audio processing parameter such that said at least oneaudio processing parameter is among a plurality of audio processingparameters available for adjustment in dependence of said input.